Principal Security Engineer

General Dynamics Corporation; Hastings; On-site; GBP 59,200 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Nine-day fortnight

Career development plan

Flexible benefits

Salary range

Hybrid/onsite options

Job summary

General Dynamics Mission Systems in the UK leads avionics and communication systems, delivering secure mission computing for aviation and defence. The role focuses on defining secure-by-design requirements and leading security architecture for GCAP mission systems, with opportunities to collaborate across government, industry and academia.

We offer hybrid or full‑office work, a competitive salary, and a flexible benefits package, reflecting a commitment to delivery, integrity and professional

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline.
• Knowledge of Secure by Design and product security standards.
• Security architecture and cryptography expertise.
• Demonstrated high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism.
• Flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead security architecture for GCAP mission systems
• Define security requirements and secure-by-design approaches
• Lead threat modelling, risk assessment and accreditation activities
• Provide technical leadership across cyber resilience and secure mission computing
• Develop technologies that will shape combat aviation for decades to come
• Work with world‑leading engineers across industry, government and academia
• Contribute to sovereign UK defence capability and international collaboration

Skills

Secure by design

Security architecture

Cryptography

AI/ML awareness

Integrity & professionalism

Education

Degree in engineering

Job description

General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers a diverse portfolio of high technology solutions, products and services that enable customers to successfully execute missions across all domains of operation. With a global team of more than 13,000 top professionals, we partner with the best in industry to expand the bounds of innovation in the defence and scientific arenas. In the UK, we are leading the way in avionics and communication systems. Given the nature of our work and who we are, we value trust, honesty, alignment and transparency.

General Dynamics in St Leonards-on-Sea currently provides avionic mission computing systems for a wide range of military fast jets, helicopters, and UAVs. Recent success has resulted in General Dynamics developing the next generation of Advanced High Performance, Safety Critical Mission Computer Systems to meet the needs of the latest platforms in development by several aircraft manufacturers. These Mission Computing Systems provide the functionality that integrates aircraft systems, sensor systems and stores management systems with the information and control systems required by the aircrew to meet the demanding operational needs of these aircraft.

Responsibilities for this Position

• Lead security architecture for GCAP mission systems
• Define security requirements and secure-by-design approaches
• Lead threat modelling, risk assessment and accreditation activities
• Provide technical leadership across cyber resilience and secure mission computing
• Develop technologies that will shape combat aviation for decades to come
• Work with world‑leading engineers across industry, government and academia
• Contribute to sovereign UK defence capability and international collaboration

Qualifications

• Degree level education or equivalent in a relevant engineering discipline
• Knowledge of Secure by Design and product security standards
• Security architecture and cryptography expertise
• Demonstrated high levels of motivation, integrity, and professionalism
• Flexibility, innovation, and commitment to delivery in a fast‑paced environment
• Experience working with or familiarity with AI/ML models is preferred

Benefits

• A compressed nine‑day fortnight and compressed hours – every other Friday off
• A personalised career development plan, alongside regular progress reviews
• A flexible working environment where your contributions are recognised and rewarded with flexible benefits
• Salary between £59,200 and £80,000 plus a flexible benefits package
• Hybrid working model (typically three days in office) or fully in office options

We pride ourselves in being a great place to work with a shared sense of purpose, offering impressive benefits and recognising diverse workplace inclusion.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and offer an interview to disabled people who meet the minimum criteria for the role. Please email disabilityconfident@gd‑ms.uk if you would like your application to be considered under the DC Scheme.

All successful/appointed applicants must be able to obtain a level of UK Security clearance that is appropriate for the role and undertake suitable Right to work checks.